Date
Saturday
Feb
22

February 22

National Chili Day

Spice up your day with National Chili Day! Enjoy a bowl of this comforting food and warm your heart with its delicious goodness.

Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to turn up the heat and delight your taste buds because National Chili Day is coming up on February 22! Did you know that chili has a rich historical background traced back to the 17th century? Often associated with the Wild West and hardy cowboy meals, chili is an enduring symbol of American culture. This well-loved stew of meat, beans, tomatoes, and of course, a generous hint of chili peppers, has been warming up our tables and hearts for centuries! Whether you're into spicy, mild, meaty, or vegetarian, there's a chili recipe to celebrate your day. So, grab your bowls and spoons and get ready to pay tribute to this hearty and comforting dish of wonder on National Chili Day!

National Chili Day Timeline

1600s
Origins of Chili
Chili, or "chile con carne", originated from South Texas among working-class Tejana and Mexican women.
1860s
Civil War Times
Chili became popular during and after the Civil War as an affordable, filling meal that was easy to prepare and preserved well.
1893
World's Fair Debut
Chili makes its appearance at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. It was referred to as 'The San Antonio Chile Stand'.
1920s
First Chili Powder
The first commercial chili powder by William Gebhardt, an immigrant from Germany, was marketed and sold to the broader public, making chili preparation easier and more standardized.
1977
Texas State Food
Recognizing its cultural significance, the state of Texas officially designated chili as its state food.

How to Celebrate National Chili Day

1

Explore new chili recipes

Celebrate National Chili Day by trying a new chili recipe. Try out different types of meat, or no meat at all! A vegan chili can be a delightful, heart-warming alternative.

2

Host a chili-themed potluck

Ask your friends or colleagues to bring in their favorite types of chili and host a chili contest. Sampling a variety of chili recipes will make for a fun and flavorful feast!

3

Visit a local chili cook-off

Many towns host chili cook-offs where locals compete for the best homemade chili recipe. This is your chance to taste some of the best creations in your area.

4

Cook chili with family or friends

Cooking is always a fun bonding activity. For National Chili Day, gather your loved ones and cook some chili together. It could become a new tradition!

5

Support a local restaurant

Hit up your local restaurants that serve chili. It's a great way to support local businesses and enjoy a hearty bowl of chili without having to do any of the cooking yourself.

Why We Love National Chili Day

A

Sampling a variety of flavors

National Chili Day provides a unique opportunity to explore new chili recipes and flavors. Whether you're into spicy, mild, meaty, or vegetarian chili, there's always something new to try. You could even challenge yourself and switch from your usual preferences to widen your culinary experience.

B

It encourages community and social connections

Whether you're hosting a chili-themed potluck or attending a local cook-off, National Chili Day is a great excuse to come together with friends, family, and community members. This presents the chance to strengthen your social connections through the shared love of chili.

C

Promotes supporting local businesses

Celebrating National Chili Day also means supporting local restaurants and cafes. Whether it's a family-run diner or a friend's food joint, trying their amazing offerings not only allows you to enjoy mouthwatering servings of chili but also supports the local economy.